Tag: Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is set to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but will not play against arch-rivals India, the Government of Pakistan confirmed on Sunday.

The decision follows after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Pakistan were originally scheduled to play India on 15 February in the T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo.

The Government of Pakistan officially announced the decision on X post, stating that the Pakistan team would participate in the mega event, but also noted that the team would not take the field in the match scheduled for 15th February 2026 against India.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the post wrote.

For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

On Monday, 25 January, Mohsin Naqvi met Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the potential withdrawal from the tournament.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he had written on his X account.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified on 24 January when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament after they refused to travel to India, citing security concerns.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will play the World Cup opener against the Netherlands on 7 February and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals, the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

READ: Pakistan bowl out India for 252 in U19 World Cup clash

BULAWAYO: India outplayed Pakistan by 58 runs to secure a place in the semi-final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday.

Set to chase 253 in 33.3 overs, Pakistan were effectively out of the contest by the 24th over due to their cautious approach, whereas a middle-order collapse eventually saw them lose the match.

With a steep task required, Pakistan needed a strong opening foundation; however, the openers’ wickets fell with only 23 on the board in 3.4 overs.

The breakout star for Pakistan, Sameer Minhas, managed nine from 11 balls.

After an early hiccup, Usman Khan and Hamza Zahoor put the chase back on track with a 60-run partnership from 80 balls.

The pair brought the team’s total to 88 at the end of 17 overs.

Kanishk Chouhan provided India the much-needed breakthrough in the shape of Zahoor’s wicket, who was bowled after scoring 42 from 49 balls with the help of eight fours.

Despite the wicket, Pakistan continued on as skipper Farhan Yousaf and Usman Khan added another 63 runs for the third wicket.

RS Ambrish picked up the wicket of Yousaf to break the stand, a wicket that sparked a collapse from which Pakistan could not recover.

The skipper made 38 off 39, striking three fours and two sixes.

After his wicket, Pakistan lost their way as they slumped to 151-3 in 29.4 overs to 183-7 and later all-out.

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Usman top-scored with 66 off 92, including seven fours.

For India, Khilan Patel and captain Ayush Mhatre shared six wickets between them.

Earlier, Abdul Subhan took a three-wicket haul as Pakistan restricted India from posting a daunting total

Put into bat first, India’s innings folded for 252 in 49.4 overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Aaron George provided India a rapid start, adding 47 for the opening wicket in the first 7.4 overs.

Sooryavanshi remained the core aggressor, striking six and five fours in his 30 from 22. However, Mohammad Sayyam delivered a much-needed breakthrough for Pakistan as India lost both openers in the same over.

The right-arm pacer first removed Sooryavanshi, who was caught, and followed it by George’s wicket.

India were further in dire straits as their skipper, Ayush Mhatre, was sent packing for a duck. Thus, the men in blue were reduced to 47-3 in 8.1 overs.

With India in deep trouble, Vedant Trivedi came to the fore and held India’s innings together.

The right-hander remained instrumental in powering India to a respectable total. He first stitched a crucial 62-run partnership with Vihaan Malhotra, who made 21.

Then he strung a couple of stands with middled order batters, Abhigyan Kundu and RS Ambrish, to put India out of trouble.

He eventually departed in the 40th over, after scoring 68 from 98 with the help of two fours and a six.  At this stage, India were 182-6.

Nonetheless, India lost three wickets in the final over, but Kanishk Chouhan’s (35 from 29 balls) ensured that they set a challenging target for Pakistan.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan picked up a three-wicket haul while Mohammad Sayyam picked up two wickets.

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LAHORE: Amid the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the PCB is exploring contingency plans should it withdraw from the tournament.

According to sources, the decision is expected today after the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, meets with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening.

Additionally, Pakistan has linked the launch of the T20 World Cup kit after the final decision. The kit unveiling ceremony was originally scheduled for 31 January, Friday, during Pakistan and Australia’s second T20I.

Sources familiar with the matter also say that, if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the T20 World Cup, the PCB has devised a plan to hold a domestic tournament, including Pakistan’s senior team, Pakistan Shaheens, and the U19 squad, divided into four teams.

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For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament after Bangladesh refused to travel to India.

Notably, Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

The move has caused unease within the PCB, which publicly backed Bangladesh’s stance during the dispute.

READ: Cameron Green makes ‘chucking’ gesture after Usman Tariq dismissal

LAHORE: Pakistan produced a ruthless all-round performance to outclass Australia in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Defending a competitive 198-5, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by a dominant spin effort, dismantled Australia for just 108 in 15.4 overs, handing the visitors a crushing 90-run defeat.

Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with a 20-ball 35, followed by Matthew Short, who made 27 off 23 deliveries.

Other than them, only skipper Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) managed to reach double figures.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed three wickets each, while Usman Tariq bagged two.

Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made the most of winning the toss and opting to bat first, as the hosts posted a commanding total on the back of his aggressive knock and a late surge from wicketkeeper Usman Khan.

Pakistan had a shaky start, losing Sahibzada Farhan for 5 in the second over with only 17 on the board. However, Agha quickly took control alongside Saim Ayub, and the pair ensured the innings did not lose momentum in the powerplay.

Agha dominated the stand, while Ayub played a brisk cameo before falling on the penultimate ball of the powerplay. The left-hander struck 23 off 11 balls, hitting four boundaries, before being dismissed by Cooper Connolly.

Pakistan then suffered another setback when Adam Zampa trapped Babar Azam lbw for 2, briefly putting pressure on the hosts at 76/3 in 7.1 overs.

But Agha continued his counter-attack and shifted the momentum decisively with a rapid partnership with Shadab Khan.

The Pakistan skipper brought up his sixth T20I fifty in just 25 balls, eventually top-scoring with a blazing 76 off 40 deliveries, featuring eight fours and four sixes.

Australia finally got relief when Sean Abbott removed Agha in the 13th over, ending a threatening 49-run stand.

At the back end, Usman Khan ensured Pakistan finished strongly, registering his second T20I half-century with a composed yet fluent 52 off 35 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

He also stitched a crucial 63-run partnership with Shadab, who contributed 28 off 20 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with a quick 10 off 4 to push Pakistan to 198.

For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly and Sean Abbott picked up a wicket each.

In reply, Australia never looked settled as Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly and kept the scoring under control, eventually bundling the visitors out for 108 to wrap up the series with a match to spare.

READ: Aryna Sabalenka ‘really upset’ at blowing chances in Melbourne final loss

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the unveiling ceremony of the team’s official jersey for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to details, the PCB was planning to reveal the players’ official kit after the toss of the second T20I against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

However, the ceremony has now been delayed due to what insiders described as unavoidable circumstances.

The development comes at a time when uncertainty continues to surround Pakistan’s participation in the mega event, which is set to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka.

Sources further revealed that the PCB is expected to make its final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation on Monday, following key consultations at the highest level.

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Notably, Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are planned to be held in Sri Lanka, despite India being one of the co-hosts.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the tournament after the former refused to travel to India.

The move has caused unease within the PCB, which publicly backed Bangladesh’s stance during the dispute.

READ: Former Pakistan all-rounder joins UAE coaching staff for T20 World Cup 2026

BULAWAYO: Pakistan suffered a major blow ahead of the crucial India clash in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 as wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the tournament.

Shayan, 18, was struck on the nose while keeping to a fast-bowler during a scenario-based practice match. Following the blow, he was taken to hospital, where X-rays confirmed a fracture.

Mohammad Shayan — top order batter, replacement will be named in due course.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan and India are set for a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, February 1, in what has effectively become a virtual knockout for a place in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

While fans are already dreaming of a potential Pakistan vs India final, the reality is that both teams qualifying from Super Six Group 2 is highly unlikely, though not impossible.

The outcome hinges on the result of England vs New Zealand, currently underway.

England currently lead their Super Six group, boasting an unbeaten 3-0 record, which includes wins carried forward against Pakistan and Zimbabwe from the group stage.

If England beat New Zealand, they will finish on eight points, securing a semi-final spot and leaving only one place for either Pakistan or India.

However, if New Zealand manage to turn things around and pull off an upset, the door opens for both Pakistan and India.

In that scenario, a Pakistan win over India on Sunday would create a three-way tie at six points, with Net Run Rate (NRR) deciding the top two teams to advance.

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At present, England’s NRR is 1.989, while Pakistan sits at 1.484 and India at 3.337. Pakistan can improve its NRR significantly with a dominant performance against India, potentially pipping England and qualifying for the semi-final with India.

However, in case of England’s victory, Pakistan not only have to defeat India, but to win in a manner to surpass their arch-rivals in NRR to make it to the semi-finals.

Currently, India hold the advantage with six points and a better NRR; however, the NRR gap may look daunting, but it’s not as impossible as it seems.

If Pakistan bat first and post a total of 300, they would need to win by at least 85 runs to surpass India’s NRR.

If Pakistan bowl first and restrict India to 200, they would need to chase the target in roughly 31.5 overs.

For a target of 251, Pakistan would need to finish the chase in about 33.2 overs.

READ: PCB reveals open trail dates for Future Stars Talent Hunt Programme

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to protect teams at next month’s T20 World Cup, part of enhanced security measures with a special emphasis on matches between perennial rivals India and Pakistan, officials have told AFP.

The island is co-hosting the biennial cricket tournament with India and will hold 20 games between February 7 and March 8.

The Indian and Pakistani teams will play each other at least once, in their Group A clash in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on February 15.

Cricket matches have long been a stage for expressing political tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, which fought a four-day border conflict last year.

Sri Lanka has given the “highest priority” to ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and is “paying special attention to the India-Pakistan matches”, sports minister Sunil Kumara Gamage told AFP late Wednesday.

Elite commando units, usually assigned to guard visiting heads of state, will be deployed to protect all participating teams, police and security officials said.

“From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,” an official said, asking not to be named.

Pakistan refused to play their fixtures in India due to political hostilities, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches to neutral Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh also tried to have their matches moved out of India due to security fears, but the ICC rejected the request.

An angry Bangladesh then withdrew from the tournament, and Scotland were drafted in as their replacement.

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Pakistan has indicated that it may yet boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka maintained a studious silence throughout the India-Bangladesh row.

Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake told AFP Colombo wanted to avoid being drawn into regional disputes.

“In these disputes among India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral, all of these are friendly nations,” he said.

But he added that Sri Lanka would be willing to host future tournaments for any of the countries if asked.

Sri Lanka has also used the T20 World Cup as an opportunity to upgrade its international venues.

It has commissioned new floodlights at the Singhalese Sports Club, one of two stadiums in Colombo.

The Pallekele Stadium in Kandy was unaffected by a deadly cyclone that damaged buildings in the region in November, and will host a T20 international between Sri Lanka and England from Friday.

READ: No handshake as Sabalenka sets up repeat of 2023 Melbourne final

BULAWAYO: Pakistan and India are set for a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, February 1, in what has effectively become a virtual knockout for a place in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

While fans are already dreaming of a potential Pakistan vs India final, the reality is that both teams qualifying from Super Six Group 2 is highly unlikely, though not impossible.

The outcome hinges on the result of England vs New Zealand, scheduled for Friday, January 30.

England currently lead their Super Six group, boasting an unbeaten 3-0 record, which includes wins carried forward against Pakistan and Zimbabwe from the group stage.

If England beat New Zealand, they will finish on eight points, securing a semi-final spot and leaving only one place for either Pakistan or India.

However, if New Zealand manage to turn things around and pull off an upset, the door opens for both Pakistan and India.

In that scenario, a Pakistan win over India on Sunday would create a three-way tie at six points, with Net Run Rate (NRR) deciding the top two teams to advance.

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At present, England’s NRR is 1.989, while Pakistan sits at 1.484 and India at 3.337. Pakistan can improve its NRR significantly with a dominant performance against India, potentially pipping England and qualifying for the semi-final with India.

However, in case of England’s victory, Pakistan not only have to defeat India, but to win in a manner to surpass their arch-rivals in NRR to make it to the semi-finals.

Currently, India hold the advantage with six points and a better NRR; however, the NRR gap may look daunting, but it’s not as impossible as it seems.

If Pakistan bat first and post a total of 300, they would need to win by at least 85 runs to surpass India’s NRR.

If Pakistan bowl first and restrict India to 200, they would need to chase the target in roughly 31.5 overs.

For a target of 251, Pakistan would need to finish the chase in about 33.2 overs.

READ: Finch, Clarke stunned over Haris Rauf’s exclusion from Pakistan T20I squad

Pakistan men’s team’s only warm-up fixture ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been confirmed, with the Green Shirts set to take on Ireland in Colombo.

The match will be played on February 4 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, which will also serve as Pakistan’s early base during the tournament.

Notably, the same venue will host two of Pakistan’s group-stage matches, including clashes against the Netherlands (February 7) and the USA (February 10), making the warm-up an important chance for the Green Shirts to settle into conditions in Sri Lanka before the main event begins.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

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Notably, Pakistan are not the only side playing a single warm-up match. Hosts and defending champions India will face South Africa in their lone warm-up fixture on February 4 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Meanwhile, an India A team will also feature in the warm-up schedule, playing the USA in Navi Mumbai and later facing Namibia in Bengaluru on February 6, just a day before the tournament begins.

Interestingly, several top-ranked teams have decided to opt out of warm-up matches, including Australia, England and New Zealand.

Australia’s final competitive outing before the World Cup will be their three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which is set to begin later today.

England, on the other hand, are currently engaged in an ODI series against Sri Lanka, while New Zealand are currently in India for a T20I series.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up fixtures

February 2

• Afghanistan vs Scotland – Bengaluru – 3 PM

• India A vs USA – Navi Mumbai – 5 PM

• Canada vs Italy – Chennai – 7 PM

February 3

• Sri Lanka A vs Oman – Colombo – 1 PM

• Netherlands vs Zimbabwe – Colombo – 3 PM

• Nepal vs UAE – Chennai – 5 PM

February 4

• Namibia vs Scotland – Bengaluru – 1 PM

• Afghanistan vs West Indies – Bengaluru – 3 PM

• Ireland vs Pakistan – Colombo – 5 PM

• India vs South Africa – Navi Mumbai – 7 PM

February 5

• Oman vs Zimbabwe – Colombo – 1 PM

• Canada vs Nepal – Chennai – 3 PM

• New Zealand vs USA – Navi Mumbai – 5 PM

February 6

• Italy vs UAE – Chennai – 3 PM

• India A vs Namibia – Bengaluru – 5 PM

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LAHORE: Australia T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh has expressed his excitement ahead of Pakistan T20I series, stating that he is looking forward to the challenge of playing against Babar Azam.

Speaking in the pre-series press conference, Marsh talked about Pakistani players playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 and praised Babar Azam.

“It was great to see some Pakistan players playing the Big Bash; it brought a whole new audience, and I’m hopeful that they enjoyed their time in Australia,” Marsh told reporters.

Marsh also mentioned sub continent conditions, noting that Babar Azam had been a world-class performer for Pakistan for a long time. He added that Babar remained a different challenge and that they were well aware of it.

“Babar’s been a world-class player for a long period of time for Pakistan, so we have great respect for him, and we know that in these conditions he’s one of the best players in the world still so we look forward to that challenge,” he added.

The skipper also tipped the series as a vita preparatory platform for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

“It’s a really important time in both teams’ preparations for the World Cup. Most of the squad has been in Dubai for the last four days training and getting together,” he maintained.

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“Some of us have obviously flown in a little bit later due to Big Bash commitments, but we’re certainly ready to go, and we’re looking forward to a great series,” he explained.

The 34-year-old admitted he had not packed many jumpers, saying he was unaware how cold it could get in Pakistan but would be better prepared next time

“Yes, I must admit I didn’t pack too many jumpers. I wasn’t aware that Pakistan got this cold, so I’ll know for next time, but I think one of the things about our group and most international teams now is that preparation can look different for every tour,” Marsh concluded.

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